ng assembly. The fairy-like and fantastic robes sparkled with gold and jewels. The sea of light thrown from the crystal chandelier upon the mirro

friends under the muffled forms of their disguise, she murmured their names, and some mischievous and

oussel, who is leaning against that pillar, and casting such melancholy glances through the crowd, hunting for the one his heart adores, never dreams that she is standing opposite him, and is laughing at his perple

n she suddenly felt her arm touched, and, turning arou

ur sultan." murmured one of them, in

s my sultan?

arm. Louise saw those glorious eyes beaming upon her through

oftly and reproachfully, "you s

ched the end of the saloon. A small flight of steps led them to a little boudoir opening

ness, if we should

nitz guards the door. Now, as we are alone an

d prince removed his mask

Louise, terrified

l Madame von Kleist such an honor? In what other cavalier could you place such perfect confidence as to accompany him into this lonely boudoir? With whom but the king could you have trusted your

ed Louise; his mocking words bewildere

allowed herself to be

ner, unnoticed and unseen. I had no sooner discovered the fair Louise under this charming costume, than I knew I had found

d and frightened. She knew well that the king had not found

let us speak on that subject which interests most deeply all who know you; let us speak of your happin

hat can be made to experience," sighed Madame von Kliest. "My life w

ced. When and upon whom will you n

. "What!" she stammered, co

pe that you will marry. You should go forward as an example to my brothers, your youthful playmates, and I will tell my

, "if the example of so insignificant a person

that, contrary to my wishes and commands, he is about to make a secret and illegitimate marriage. I am not yet acquainted with the name of his wily mistress, but I shall learn it, and, when once

had succeeded in suppressing her own emotions, and, following the lead of the king, she

for the prosperity of my people. My brother must marry a princess of wealth and influence. Tell Prince Henry this. Now," said the king, with an engaging smile,

ajesty, I modestly confess that I am not positively certain whether among my many followers there is one who d

ing, smiling. "Think awhile-let your lovers pass in review before you-

l for a few moments. The

r a pause, "have you

with tears. She took leave of her most cherished and ambitiou

seur, who only needs encouragement

of good

, si

lit

captain's epaulets. Your maj

h pronounces her blessing, the king's blessing shall not be w

y lover, and when I succee

you will be engaged, and, to complete your good work, you must announce this happy fact to my brother Henry. Of course, he must not even surmise that you sacrifice yourself in order to set him a good example.

leist. "It is enough to trample upon my own heart; your m

shed angrily, but h

elf. You know that the grave of one love is the cradle of another. Be wise, and do as I tell you: in eight day

majesty knows that the prince loves me passionately. Ah, sire, your brother would have forfeited his rank and your favor by marrying me, but he would have been a happy man; and I ask the king if that is not, at last, the best result? Are you, sire, content and happy since you trampled your breathing, loving heart to death at the foot of the throne? You command your brother to do as you have done. Well, sire, I submit-not only to resign the prince, but to m

g, her hands folded on her breast, she might in reality have been taken for an odal

stress. Sounds of laughter, the gay notes of music reached them from the dancing-saloon. The ball had commenced, and

mply with my request?"

d Louise, raising her han

aughter; you did not think of the shame and sorrow you prepared for your parents, when you arranged your flight with the gardener. I succeeded in rescuing you from dishonor by marrying you to a brave and noble cavalier. It depended upon you entirely to gain his love and respect, but you forgot your duty as a wife, as you had forgotten it as a daughter. You had no pity with the faults and follies of your husband, you drove him to despair. At last, to drown his sorrows, he became a drunkard, and you, instead of remaining at his side to encourage and counsel him, deserted him, and so heartlessly expos

teful name!" cried Louise; "the past is an avenger t

thal to my brother in a gay and unembarrassed tone, or shall I call Fritz Wen

she said, with trembling lips and tearful voice: "Sire, I am prepared to do all that you wish. I shall announce my betrothal to the pri

Fritz Wendel?" sai

soldier to Poland: there he may relate his love-advent

sire," said Lo

" said the king. "Fortunately, we are now at an end. I

, si

You promise to tell my brother of your engagement, and that

u will banish the

re will you tell my brother of your e

witnesses your majesty may se

w the time and place through Pollnitz. We have arranged our little affairs, madame, and

ith your permission, I

ish. Pollnitz will condu

, and, with a friendly

me! I believe w

"I can only say as the soldiers do, 'I

om hastily, that the king